Reviews (4)

There'll always be an England...
A quirky British comedy wherein the Olympian gods grant miraculous powers to a nebbish from Essex, one Mr. Fotheringay, who at first is quite modest in his use of reality-bending, and eventually succumbs to the temptations of (near) absolute power. The prewar concerns of war, peace and the polite class politics of the UK are at the heart of this film; nice cameo by Ernest Thesiger (of James Whale horror film fame) as Mr. Maydig, a Bertram Russell-style swords-into-plowshares peacenik intellectual who is as quickly seduced by the lure of ultimate power as are his Establishment counterparts. Odd film; worth checking out.

Sledgehammer parable
Roland Young fudges his way nicely through any movie, but to imagine him as a vindictive man with unwieldy power is a bit of a stretch. Ralph Richardson, another man who seemingly can do no wrong, is badly miscast as the threatened retired British officer who becomes flummoxed when his weapons collection is transformed to ploughshares by the title character Young. The movie has a bright attitude, very spry, but the story is tired and the characters aren't able make up for it. A nice conceit but with nothing much to say in the end, other than, "Power draws calamity, well-intentioned or not."

Interesting Thought-Provoking Premise
This is an interesting and very entertaining film, which still holds up well after more than 60 years. The angels decide to bestow miraculous powers upon a common, little man. He can make things change, move, appear, or disappear at will. In addition to providing for some very comedic episodes, it raises some though-provoking questions as to the use of such power.

The special effects are executed quite well, and one can only speculate as to what a remake would be like, given today's cutting edge special effects technology. But don't wait for the remake; this film is well worth seeing.

THE MAN WHO COULD WORK MIRACLES
IF EVER A MOVIE NEEDED TO BE REMADE THIS IS THE ONE.WITH TODAYS SPECIAL EFFECTS AND A TERRIFIC CAST TO EQUAL THE 1937 ENSEMBLE OF GREAT ACTORS IT WOULD BE A SMASH.I FIRST SAW THIS MOVIE WHEN I WAS QUITE YOUNG AND IT IMPRESSED ME GREATLY.NATURALLY YOU WOULD EXPECT A DIFFERENT REACTION WHEN VIEWING IT AS AN ADULT BUT TO MY SURPRISE IT HELD UP AS ONE OF THE MOST IMAGINATIVE FANTASY FILMS I HAVE EVER SEEN.TRY IT ,YOU'LL LIKE IT! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

better than what people say
people say that this is the weakest of the A/R bunch but I strongly disagree. It may not be their strongest (Top Hat & Swing Time) but it's not their weakest. It may even be in the top five. I agree with the other reviewers that the first time you watch it you're like "Ok, that was just fine." the secind time you watch it you say "that was actually very good" and the third time "that was wonderful!" This is a better than average MGM movie, and quite sophisticated too. JUdy annd Fred were fine in "Easter Parade" but who could beat our beloved Ginger Rogers with Fred? The direction is wonderful, some of the best they'd had. The acting is excellent, it's funny witty and the dances I think are superb. The technicolor is also beautiful, and it's nice to see Gin's blue eyes and deep red lip rouge. Ginger is no longer a lithe little thing with a delicate baby face, but she's beautiful and very grown up looking. She is in a woman's body now, and after not doing a real musical for almost 10 years (!) she is in incredible form. Her dancing is really up to par with Astaire.
Some intersing technical notes, in the Barkley's house. They have one bed that they share. Nowadays that seems like nothing, but back then the censors were still hot on the idea that married people shouldn't share a bed in movies, because it suggested sex. (So where DO babies come from then.) (At one point Fred does think Ginger's pregnant, but by 1949 the censors still couldn't read between the lines.) Another interesting thing is that they have their own bathroom, divided by a shoulder height wall. It comes to principal use when Roger's is undressing and we (including astaire only) see her shoulders and up.(God forbid she take off her shirt in front of her husband!)
The dance number are really exceptional in this. 0We see Swing Trot through the credits, but we catch the end alone, and it's really swell, then, Astaire croons to Rogers back at their house after bickering (again) while they're in bathrobes. (almost like the famed scene in Swing Time when he sings "the way you look tonight" and she come sout with shampoo in he hair) this time he sings, "you'd be so hard to replace" as if to remind the audience that for ten years, his partners haven't been up to the par as Ginger was. then there's 'Bouncin' the blues' i think one of their best taps together. it's a rehaersal number, and it's just adorable, sweet, and loads of fun to watch. It's that old Astaire/Rogers magic. It's almost like a grown up version of "I'll be hard to handle" Ginger and her liquid hips make a stripper's exit at the end of the number, with Fred leaning on her exended arm. Later that day, Josh and Dinah go to an art museum, where they are to see the unveiling of a new portrait of them. It shows Dinah as a pancake, and Josh, as the plate that molds her, (which is the common conception people had of A/R throughout their careers.) Ginger retorts at the sculpture in deadpan style. "Why is my face a pancake?" It's quite a funny scene. "my one and only highland fling" renews teh comical stuff they could do together. Ginger had a knack for putting on accents and mocking people. which is seen throughout her 73 movie career. 'MOAOHF' is a delightful number, and the ending is sweet. "A day in the country" is sund to Oscar Levant, as they take a trip to the country for a while, while he wants to go back to NY" Ginger's voice is extremely good in this song, it seems to have develpoed a bit. "Shoes with wings on" is Fred's customary big solo and it's very good. what else can you say about the man who defied dancing? It's really quite good. But we can''t waut for his reunion with Gin. (They'd split at this pouint) Possibly the best number in the fil, "They can't take that away from me" a reprise from their 1937 movie "shall we dance?" it's one of my favorite songs period, and he sings it beautifully to her on stage. If you watch Her face expressions, you'll realize how much this number really means. The dance is gorgeous too. After the song is over, Ginger starts to cry, which she has always done with such emotion. Manhatten downbeat is their last dance together and it's a big splashy finish, with beautiful costumes. The very end show a close up of the greatest dancing team's faces.
20 years after Barkley's, they reunites at the academy awards, where they presented an oscar. They did a swirl and dip for old times, and the applause was so overwhlmind, the forgot to stop holding hands. :-)

Really good Fred and Ginger
This movie is the only color Fred and Ginger movie. It's really good, nice dancing, fun to see them older and in color. The dance "I've Got Shoes With Wings On" is really fun and amazing. Fred sure could dance. This isn't their best movie, it's my 5th favorite Fred and Ginger. I think "Follow the Fleet" is far more romantic, but if you're a Ginger and Fred fan, this is a must see. They made this movie after years of not working together. They were so good together, it's pretty funny, too.

way of thinking
If you think of this as an ASTAIRE_ROGERS movie, then you will have some trouble. However, If you think of this as a movie WITH Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, then you will enjoy it. I thought it was very nice, especially when they did the "they can't take that away from me" and dance to it. Ginger doesn't look a day older than 30. (she's 38, and still adorable)We also have to remember, that this was after the depression, after the war, and ten years of different audiences since thier last picture. not to mentio MGM instead of RKO, so of course it will be different. The magic is still there, but in a different way. Don't look for it, but accept it as it is, and you'll find that Asaire-Rogers chemisrty never left.

It's MGM, by way of variety television.
It's weird the things that get stuck in your memory. I never thought of this as an inferior film just because the formula separates itself from the RKO depression-era 30's (the film was made in 1949), though I seem to be hearing this a lot from critics. In fact, when I first saw the dance of 'They Can't Take That Away from Me,' I actually thought it was a performance from a TV special, not a movie. The performance is an exhibit, not a love scene. There's something almost- I don't know- *cold* about the way they move on that bare, heavily draped, stage. It's also the first and only adagio they perform in color- which, in itself has a sense of an era ending. Nevertheless, they have the same emotional connection to each other, and at the ages of 38 and 50 respectively, they still carry off the grace and elegance. When they saunter off the stage, an excited audience breaks into applause- like they've been watching an act from THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. It's extrordinary that ten years after Rogers remade herself doing straight award-winning drama and Astaire remade himself as a solo performer and a man who could dance with just about anyone, they could settle back into one more film and not have one strain of foot or hair out of place. MGM formula and Oscar Levant aside, it's a very nice way to end a professional marriage.

Finale in Color
Fred and Ginger put a cap on their careers together once more.

Its silly to spend words on what is so pleasing to see...so
Comden and Green, Harry Warren and Ira Gershwin under the hat of the unique Arthur Freed. Wonders never cease

CP ... Read more

Reviews (152)

Ignorance is bliss
...Anyone who has done the least bit of research will know that David Lynch has final cut of everything he does. He chose to cut the movie down from its original inception. Please know that this is a fantastic movie, and the DVD IS Lynch-approved. As for the commentary and deleted scenes, Lynch has stated many times that he will NEVER do commentary, and does not agree whole-heartedly with including deleted scenes. He also refuses to use chapter stops (this is good). If you need someone to hold your hand while you watch this movie, and explain how to think for yourself, then I propose you find a different film to watch.

Goodbye Cherry Pie
Remember Laura Palmer? She's the one who was into sex, drugs and..., ended up killed by..., wrapped in plastic, and then it all began. Well here is the oft-times lurid, unsettling and sometimes plain scary film about Laura. This is not the eccentric drama/comedy we know as "Twin Peaks:TV series, and it's not for the fair weather Peaks fans. David Lynch lets us know that this is the flip side right at the opening credits when the violent destruction of a television is followed by a bloodcurdling scream. No wonder they hated it! I love it, and thanks to NewLine who in conjunction with none other than the maestro himself have produced a gorgeous digital transfer of this essential work. Forget the deleted scenes fiasco..with this quality sound and picture, and a good price, this is a no brainer for true Twin Peaks fans. I docked a star because the only substantial extra, the "documentary" is quite a disappointment. If you have absorbed the series and permit the Lynchian universe to enfold you, "Fire Walk with Me" will reveal itself as a coherent,disturbing and beautiful adventure. Great performances by Sheryl Lee and Ray Wise, but the real star is the director who gave us something that we never expected, and it gets better at each viewing.Wow Bob Wow!!

The Reason this movie wasn't as good is becuz.....
In the David Lynch "motion pictures" collection, there are 8 films that have been made since 1978. "Eraserhead," "Elephant Man," "Dune," "Blue Velvet," "Wild at Heart," "Fire Walk With Me," "Lost Highway," and his latest, "Straight Story." The four best are Eraserhead, Fire Walk With Me, Blue Velvet and Lost Highway.

David Lynch's vision of "FIRE WALK WITH ME," is not bad because he wanted it to be. The original fire walk with me movie is romoured to be over 3 and a half hours long. There is PROMISED to be a FIRE WALK WITH ME DVD coming out soon. It should be out later this spring with all the cuts that werent originally in the TWIN PEAKS movie. Please.... dont be disappointed with the original though, it is a good movie. You should try this movie, I THINK, before you watch, rent or buy the TWIN PEAKS TV series.

thanks

garmonbozia, all right.
See, this movie is yet another intentional turkey in the David Lynch stinkography. When will you people believe me when I tell you the man simply likes to make bad movies?!? The picture comes off as a demented episode of Northern Exposure with the plot-wiring torn out and the character development up on blocks. Throw in the obligatory sinister midget and sundry unemployed freaks and... Weee're in business! Oh, wait... we need something for the characters to do... well, they can all just take turns going insane, can't they? Problem solved! David Lynch is a modern freak show operator. The freak show has never gone away. It has just been billed as something else.

Prequel sets the stage for series pilot
Shot after the series was cancelled because there was a demand overseas for more "Twin Peaks" material, "Fire Walk with Me" gives us a glimpse of what occurred just prior to Laura Palmer's murder in the pilot. While it spells out some things only hinted at in the pilot and is a bit more literal than the series, "Fire Walk with Me" also has the benefit of being a theatrical film and, as such, we get to dig deeper into the underbelly of the town.

The first thirty minutes of the film are devoted to a murder similar to Palmer's that occurs in another town. A pair of FBI agents are sent in to investigate (Chris Issak and Keifer Sutherland). When they run into resistence from the local law enforcement, they're forced to flex their FBI muscles a bit. While investigating a clue in a trailer park, one of the agents vanishes. Agent Cooper (MacLachlan)is called in to find the missing agent.

Far more surreal than the series with a number of high profile cameos (David Bowie, Harry Dean Stanton), this is a bit more bizarre as well when compared to the series (and even the pilot). The DVD is chapter encoded (unlike the frustrating "Mulholland Drive"), has an original documentary that's shot in a style like Lynch might have used with the original cast (save Piper Laurie, Michael Ontkean, Jack Nance and a couple of other cast members)about the impact of the show.

It's an excellent companion piece of the pilot (available as of now only as a region 0 DVD from Taiwan)and the series (available as a boxed set for the first season only with, reportedly, the second season coming next year some time). Picture quality is exceptionally good with the sound particularly outstanding in its use of 5.1.

A solid cast with a good script that meanders a bit, "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" plays better than parts of the first season but isn't quite as strong as both the pilot and first 8 episodes of the series. It's still worthwhile for fans of the show. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

MITCHUM IS MARLOWE
Director Richard Rush presented us a valentine with this incredible film, the third version made from the the 1940 Raymond Chandler novel. At least seven actors have portrayed Philip Marlowe. Robert Mitchum, played the part twice. The first time, in this film, he was nothing short of brilliant; just world-weary, battered, meloncholy, and tough enough to spark this tale into a full flame. His voice-over narrative hit perfect pitch; all gravel, too many smokes, and cheap booze. Mitchum, himself the veteran of several Noir classics, played the gumshoe as comfortable as one's favorite overcoat; a perfect fit. He shuffled lazy-lidded yet irascible and alert, as ready for a sap behind the ear, as he was to be the recipient of the sexual energy radiated off of Charlotte Rampling as Helen, the femme. She, likewise, postured perfectly in the Noir 1940's clothes and hairstyles. John Alonzo, fresh from shooting CHINATOWN, presented us with an LA bathed in just the right mix of golden light and shadow. Jerry Goldsmith delivered another spectacular score, overlapping jazz, blues, and swing, underscoring the action and dialogue masterfully. John Ireland, also a veteran of classic Noir, Anthony Zerbe, and Harry Dean Stanton gave tremendous support with their roles. There was even a couple of glimpses of Sly Stallone ( pre-ROCKY ) as a viscious punk. Some of the critics felt that this lush color film had to try too hard for that Noir feel. I disagree. This movie is a modern Noir classic, even in living color.

Movie Transcends the Material
The photography is perfect, the score is magnificent. Robert Mitchum was made to play a middle aged Philip Marlowe, and his voice over has all the weariness and angst the most die hard noir fan could ask for. The mid-30's sets are impeccable. So what is there to complain about? I think the culprit is Raymond Chandler.

One of the most quotable of the hard-boiled writers, his writing sang but his plots were so convoluted, the reader needs a scorecard to keep track of the story. Marlowe is hired by ex-con Moose Malloy to find his elusive love Velma. Until the bloody finale, that was the last time I was clear about the action.

I commend all the actors for delivering fine performances, particularly Sylvia Myles who played the hopeless alcoholic, Mrs. Florian. She was piercingly pathetic as a nice girl who couldn't quite believe she was a middle-aged drunk. Robert Mitchum allowed merciless lighting that occasionally made him look like a guy who has had one too many face-lifts.

This film version of "Farewell My Lovely" is probably as good as it gets. I recommend "Out of the Past" for Mitchum and noir fans.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

The sets look really cheap.
'Farewell, My Lovely' is a likable detective film, but the sets look really cheap and fake. I didn't get the feeling I was back in Los Angeles in the 1930s; I felt like I was looking at a set that was trying to look like Los Angeles in the 30s. Robert Mitchum is alright, but he is a little too old.

"New" Old Time Detective Thriller
To many of the reviews I've read rave on about Ms. Rampling, and while she is good in her small role, this is a Robert Mitchum Movie, and he is very good in it.....

Actually, if it was B&W you'd look at it like an old Bogie film like "The Big Sleep",or any one of a dozen classic detective flix.....

Anyway, I happen to get my hands on one of the rare DVD's and it was in great shape. But it's the story...this is one of those films you get to watch 5 times before you actually follow everything that's going on......

I truly enjoyed it, and you will too.

the spirit is dead on
purists might debate whether the deviancies from the novel are to positive or detrimental effect, but Mitchum captures Marlowe in a casual and powerful way. the entire Chandler spirit is kept faithfully intact, creatively filled out by excellent lighting & cinemetography, keeping the viewer involved in the neo-noir attitude as if the film was actually made in 1941.

the anne riordan character is replaced by a newspaper hawker who is a little out of place and unexplained, but perhaps charlotte rampling was all the femme fatale they could afford so...better just hire some young kid to float the story.

jack o'halloran is truly believable as moose malloy, and sylvester stallone performs some of his finest work. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jack is Francis Coppola at his most pointless noodling, looking for the film he wants to make instead of just making it. Robin Williams stars as 10-year-old Jack, a boy with an inexplicable disease that ages him at four times the normal human rate. Kept at home like a contemporary Boo Radley, Jack becomes a neighborhood legend until his parents relent and send him to school. In time, the other kids befriend him and stay loyal as his hyperdevelopment puts a strain on his body and emotions. The idea is sound, but the execution is a bore. The best the script and Coppola can come up with are painfully long scenes in which Williams's character proves himself on the playground and in gross-out contests in a tree house. Coppola fishes around for signs of life and spontaneity in these scenes, but the film is actually best when Jack has to cope with certain feelings in his mature body (such as his attraction to a character played by Fran Drescher) that he isn't prepared for emotionally. Jack would have been a lot better if Coppola had embraced a plan from beginning to end and stuck to it. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Jack hits close to home
A: 4/5 Stars

Robin Williams gives an outstanding performance in "Jack", a movie about a boy with an extreme growing disorder.
We first see Mrs. Powell dressed as a witch at a costume party from which she is rushed to a hospital where she gives birth to Jack Powell after being pregnant for only ten weeks. We learn that Jack has a disorder that causes him to grow four times the normal human rate.
We then see Jack spending his days lonely and holed up in his home, a ten year-old boy that has the physical body of a forty year-old man. Bill Cosby plays Jack's private instructor, who homeschools him.
Finally, after prodding from his instructor, Jack's parents allow him to go to school.
Jack is at first shunned and ridiculed by his fellow fifth-graders, but slowly earns their friendship by proving that you can't judge a book by its cover.
The movie ends at Jack's high school graduation. Jack was valedictorian and gives a powerful speech. By this time Jack appears to be an elderly man, but is really 18.
Jack is a heart warming and laughter provoking movie about enjoying life while you have it, and I highly recommend it.

J: 4/5 Stars

"When a shooting star streaks through the blackness turning night into day, make a wish and think of me and make your life spectacular. I know I did." -Robin Willliams as Jack
Jack is a bittersweet tale about a boy who, despite certain setbacks, is determined to live and enjoy his childhood.
The movie begins after an odd premature birth, where we learn that Jack ages at four times the average rate. Because of this he is kept out of society for ten years. Jack is visited by a tutor (Bill Cosby) every day. Although the tutor likes teaching Jack, he realizes that he is lonely and convinces Jack's parents to insert him into the public education system. At first he isn't too popular, but finally he wins over the class by using his condition to his advantage. The ways he gets them to accept him are refreshingly true: he can buy porno magazines and dominate the basketball courts. However, Jack has several confrontations with the adult world. His attempts of getting together with his school teacher fails and ends up getting in a brawl at at the local bar. It doesn't help when he recieves a "what I want to be when I grow up" assignment that truly affects him. When his friends are twenty he will probably be dead. The movie ends with a speech of triumph that is both tear jerking and heart warming.
Robin Williams definitely wins the best perfomance award. Here, he is able to bring a poignancy to the role while capturing the youthfulness of being a kid. Francois Ford Coppolay who is usually the director of hard, serious dramas, (see the Godfather) has taken a different route by making a human drama enclosed by comedy. Because of this, he has made one of the most honest movies in recent years. Jack is a joy to watch and a movie to treasure.

very funny
This plot is so original, and you know if Robin Williams is in the movie its gonna be hilarious. It was ! Boy that rapidly grows as he ages. Ha too funny. Great to watch with the whole family. Very light hearted film.

Amazing cast includes Robin Williams, Diane Lane & J-Lo
This very funny and touching film has an amazing cast... ROBIN WILLIAMS (Mrs Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting), DIANE LANE (Unfaithful, Perfect Storm), BILL COSBY (The Cosby Show), and JENNIFER LOPEZ (Out of Sight, Maid in Manhatten).

The story is cool and the directing by FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA is very good. Worth checking out for the excellent performances by the all-star cast.

Jennifer Lopez in "Jack"
10-year-old Jack is a boy with a unique condition that makes his body age four times faster than normal. He convinces his parents to let him attend fifth grade in a public school, but his 40-year old appearance creates all sorts of havoc for him!

Awesome!!
Well, I saw this movie a long while ago, but I still would love to watch it again (even though I don't own it, poo)..."Jack" is the cutest movie I have seen! Robin Williams is the all-time greatest comedian, and I especially love how they put Bill Cosby in it! This movie is funny, sad, and very touching, especially twoards the end. Everyone who is a child at heart should go out and buy this movie! Who can turn down a great Robin Williams film? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Environmentally friendly animated film with a strong message that doesn't club anyone over the head--but it certainly can't be missed. Zak (voiced by Christian Slater) is a heavy-machine operator whose job is to push over any vegetation in his path. He's shrunken to wee size, however, when Crysta (Samantha Mathis), a fairy of the forest, not only finds him cute but wants him to see the results of his handiwork. They end up battling Hexxus, an evil force imprisoned in a tree, which now wants to destroy all of Ferngully. Robin Williams offers genuine comic relief as a bat named Batty Koda. Agreeable without making much impact, it's a piffle of a film for one that deals with such strong subject matter.--Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

My favorite childhood movie - and it has a message!
I first saw this movie in theaters when it came out, which would make me nine or ten at the time. I loved the movie then. The environmental message made sense to me, and it really got its point across even to a young kid, though I didn't understand consciously that Batty had be a subject of animal experimentation (now I'm an 18 year old animal rights activist, so maybe it registered on some level though).

But a great message alone isn't enough to make a movie. It's got all the classic elements necessary for a kids movie. A great villian - Hexx is scary, unique, and voiced to perfection by Tim Curry, two strong protagonists for guys and girls in Zak and Crysta, a mythical past and setting, fun comic relief - Robin Willians is terrific as Batty, and plenty of great songs.

It's different enough from your typical Disney movie to be great, but similar enough that kids will love it. Plus, it will be something they've never seen before and it will send many important messages (about taking care of the environment, believing in yourself, and how you can make a difference) that every kid should hear. I definatly believe this is the best children's movie ever made.

Very beautiful, gentle nature story
Well, I'll just be brief with this one.
Synopsis:Zach, a 15-20 year old city boy comes to work for a deforestation company in the rainforest. A fairy, Chrysta, falls upon him by chance and to save his life, she attempts to give him fairy SIGHT, but ends up giving him fairy SIZE. Once Zack begins to explore the beautiful world of Fern Gully, he sees a side to nature that must be preserved. All of this is threatened though by Hexxus, an evil spirit that feeds on pollution.
Cons: A very overly pretty boy characters...but that's not always bad. An almost irritatingly naive female character, a shrinking violet a lot of times. Magic that unfortunately doesn't exist.
Pros: A good story to get across without being boring, dreary, or scary although a lot of people said that Hexxus terrified them. Batty Koda! Robin Williams plays the character of the brain scrambled bat very well and adds humor to the movie. Very sweet little movie to teach children about the destruction of the rainforest.
Overall: It's quite worth buying. A very charming movie for all ages, Fern Gully will help people to see another side to the rainforest while, not exactly realistic, is very lovable and lively. Enjoyable.

Spectacular beyond words!!
(...)Lovely animation, wonderful message, lovable characters....it has everything! It deals with the most important issue plaguing our planet to this day. It shows that living things deserve to be left alone, and that humans should stop interfearing (sp?). When I remembered this movie from years and years ago, I knew this had to be where my passion for animals and nature originated. This is a deeply moving and empathetic movie; the fairies can feel a tree's pain. It's seriously the best movie on the face of the earth to me. It's absolutely brilliant, spectacular, inspiring, powerful, uplifting, etc. I'm passing it on to my children and their children, without a doubt!

Message to everyone: Speak out for things that can't speak for themselves. Go vegetarian, adopt needy animals from shelters.....any little bit helps. We have alternatives to meat and paper and pencils.....why don't we use them and save a couple trees and animals? We need to have more sympathy and respect for the suffering of innocent lives who never did anything to deserve what they go through.

Long live tree-huggers!

(...)

Surprisingly Good
This is one of my favorite animated movies. Obviously this movie is one big enviornmental awarness message but so is about 90% of all movies. Although this movie features a very well told story, the best feature is the beautiful animation. Showcases early use of CGI effects that are used today. This movie does have musical numbers but they are good musical numbers. And of course, who could forget Robin Williams as the crazy bat. Recomended to anyone.

Important Lessons Sometimes Come in Small Packages
I absolutely adore this movie. It presents a delightful mix of humor and poignant symbolism. Perhaps if more children watched movies like this they would grow into enviromentally conscious adults. The characters are as loveable as they are educational. If I could, I'd buy a copy of this movie for all the children I know. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I Watched It for Warren
Yes, the sole reason I sought out this movie was because it features as a villain one of my favorite (and just about forgotten) actors, Warren William. Now, with the same technique, I've come across some really good movies, like "Cleopatra" and "Employees Entrance", but "The Firefly" ain't one of them. And it isn't because it's an operetta--I liked "Rosemarie" and "Maytime". No, it's because it's boring and extremely unbelieveable. Eventually, I grew impatient waiting for Warren William to appear, and put the film on Fast Forward. Even then, time passed slowly. In addition, I had heard the name, "Donkey Serenade" before, but I found that song to be something of a loser too. SO, my advice is, watch some other Jeanette MacDonald movie, not this one.

"Firefly" lights up the screen
I saw this movie on TCM and absolutely fell in love with it. I have seen most of Jeannette MacDonald's films, and this is by far the best performance - singing, acting, and even dancing - she has ever given. Alan Jones is a refreshing change from Nelson Eddy, and much more talented. The plot is full of love and intrigue (NOT slow as Maltin claims), with MacDonald as a Spanish spy during the Napoleonic wars, and Jones as the aristocratic playboy who falls for her without knowing who she really is. Songs include not only the classic "Donkey Serenade," but also "Gianina Mia," a passionate and beautiful love song. This film is an absolute must-see for any fan of musical operetta. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Out of Sight scored critical raves, but its title sums up the theatrical fate of Steven Soderbergh'scoolly comic crime caper and misfit romance based on Elmore Leonard's novel. But this is the sort of buried treasure home video was created to rescue.

George Clooney comes into his own as a leading man in the role of inveteratebank robber Jack Foley. Incarcerated, he uses another inmate's prison break as a cover for his own escape. Waiting for him, according to plan, is his partner, Buddy (Ving Rhames). Also waiting for him, not according to plan, is federal agent Karen Sisco (the ravishing Jennifer Lopez). She finds herself disarmed in more ways than one when she is deposited in the getaway car's trunk with Jack. But that doesn't stop her from joining the task force created to capture him, while he plans "one last heist."

Out of Sight is a rich, entertaining film, stylish without being showy, faithful to the integrity of Leonard's potent dialogue and quirky characters, and seamlessly acted by a dream ensemble. Standouts include Albert Brooks as convicted insider trader Richard Ripley, who while in prison brags to the wrong people that he has $5 million in uncut diamonds hidden in his house; Don Cheadle as Maurice (don't call him "Snoopy") Miller, with whom Jack warily teams up to steal said diamonds; DennisFarina as Karen's protective father (his idea of a birthday gift is a Sig-Hauer .38); and, in unbilled cameos, Michael Keaton, reprising his Jackie Brown role as FBI agent Ray Nicolet, and Samuel L. Jackson.

If you liked Get Shorty and Jackie Brown, you'll find this, well, Out of Sight. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (213)

Funny , Romantic and Sexy
This is one movie that had a lot of star power. George Clooney returns to normal movie bliss as Bank Robber Jack Foley, who, after just getting out of jail decides to rob another bank. Though it may seem successful it isn't and he gets into a 1981 Honda Accord Hatchback(AKA Eggcar) which doesn't work. Back to Jail He Goes. Jennifer Lopez also does a great Job as Karen Sisco, a Beautiful Federal Marshal. Dennis Farina is funny and over Protective as her Father Marshall Sisco. Also, Don Chedle makes another good movie choice(He Also Stars in the risque Boogie Nights) as Boxer and theif Maurice "Snoopy" Miller. His nickname is Snoopy because he throws his Fights to make money, even in jail. Also there is Albert Brooks as Ripley a rich Embesler who gives them all the lowdown on uncut diamonds. This funny movie also stars Michael Keaton reprising his role as Ray Nicolette ( From Jackie Brown) a strange FBI Agent who is always reveiling who he is. Memorable Scene- Karen protects herself from Snoopy's Cousin , Ex Boxer, Kenneth with a metal weapon and saying "We've Tusseled" Watch and Enjoy. Also watch out for the scene stealing White-Boy Bob

Why I have a soft spot in my heart for Jennifer Lopez.
Though this made no money when it was first released, director Steven Soderbergh's caper film "Out of Sight" has developed a strong cult following. This well-written, well-acted, beautifully shot ensemble comedy-drama is superior entertainment, and it "launched" Soderbergh's comeback to the world of serious film by proving that Hollywood films can still be smart and artistic.

Taken from an Elmore Leonard novel, the script gives George Clooney his best part to date. As Jack Foley, a moderately successful thief who uses words more than guns, he's given moments where he's supposed to be tough and tender. He's smart but impulsive, and he frequently finds himself in the middle of a jam. During a prison escape, for instance, he ends up sharing a car trunk with a federal marshal named Karen Sisco, played in a sophisticated, ballsy turn by Jennifer Lopez.

From that scene of flirtatious, intense dialogue because they like each other and hate each other, stuck at an impasse where neither one of them can make a move, Sisco and Foley banter and battle throughout the entire movie. When their confrontations come (in the seduction scene and, later, in the final heist), the payoffs to the audience are rewarding.

The supporting cast is uniformly colorful, and all the characters are well-defined. I particularly liked Don Cheadle's work as a scary, insecure prison boxer and Steve Zahn's turn as a hapless criminal obsessed with wearing sunglasses.

But the scenes between Clooney and Lopez set the screen on fire, moreso because of the way they deliver their dialogue than because of the way they look. The editing of the seduction scene, where their dinner dialogue seems to narrate what happens to them after dinner, is what makes it so sexy.

Great movie. Lopez has never done anything yet that's as good.

JLo & Who?
Clever dialogue and witty banter make "Out of Sight" an enjoyable film loaded with many twists and meaningful turns. Characters played smart kept my attention, though I was confused about who was Jennifer Lopez's boyfriend. How apropos? George Clooney is too good looking to survive in prison and come out looking so fresh. Many familiar faces, not all in the credits offer more fun. No surprise Clooney and Lopez find a lot to talk about and the time for conversation in the end.

Michael Duranko
www.bootism.com

"Out Of Sight" Review
Steven Soderbergh's smoothly-adapted cinematic take on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name has George Clooney (in one of his finest performances) as Jack Foley, a bank robber who keeps ending up upstate due to a good deal of bad luck. Jennifer Lopez is Karen Sisco, a beautiful but very dangerous Federal marshall who ends up in Foley's trunk during a prison getaway and eventually ends up falling for the escaped prisoner she has been assigned to bring back in. Foley and his partner-in-crime, Buddy (Ving Rhames) are planning one last score though. They're planning to swipe some uncut diamonds from a former cellmate who has them hidden in his winter home in Detriot. They aren't the only ones in on the caper though as Don Cheadle's thuggish Maurice "Snoopy" Miller has also managed to bully his way into the picture. "Out Of Sight" works real well, mostly in part to thanks to Scott Frank's very well-done adaption of Leonard's novel. The very entertaining performances from the ensemble cast don't hurt things either. Even J-Lo who is generally more of a "movie star" than an "actress" brings a lot to the table. Also look for Michael Keaton in a brief cameo, reprising his role as Ray Nicolette from "Jackie Brown".

Out of sight totally underestimated
i absolutely loved the film!
The chemistry between jlo and George was awesome!
i absolutely loved the hypnotic tune playing softly when clooney and lopez where in the detroit bar and again when she cuffed him and the police came.
could, if possible anyone send me the notes (piano) of the tune played during the bar scene and at the end when she shoots him. i would be very grateful! Thank you!
RumenaMiah22@hotmail.com ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good adventure tale
I watched this movie because I'm a huge Sullivan Entertainment fan. I was mildly disappointed because I didn't think that it quite met Sullivan's high standards, but nonetheless, it was entertaining. This movie can drag at times (it's quite long!), but I could watch some parts over and over again. I think that Zachary Bennett does a wonderful job in the lead role, and Gema Zamprogna is great as his snobby sidekick.

If you want to check out Sullivan at his best, watch any episode of "Road to Avonlea" or his great masterpiece "Anne of Green Gables" and the sequel. Now THAT's what I call spectacular entertainment!

By Way of the Stars--The perfect movie for the whole family
By Way of the Stars has everything--action, adventure, murder, romance, runaways, survival, indians, family rivalry. It is a great movie the whole family can enjoy and understand. Gema Zamprogna, Zachary Bennett, and Michael Mahonen are greats from the television show "ROAD TO AVONLEA", and it is great to see them in a long-running movie! The movie starts with action and the characters are introduced right off. The movie is easy to get into, and before the first half hour is over, you'll be in tears (watch it and you'll know why). If you loved "AVONLEA" or if you just love great movies, watch this one! It is wonderfully written, directed, and acted. Give it a chance! You'll be glad you did! :) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Epic
Historically tennis movies have been terrible. The Break is fantastic. If your a serious tennis player then this has to be your all-time favoirte movie.

THE BEST MOVIE IVE EVER SEEN!
The Break is not only motivational, but full of comdey as well. Its a well rounded film that I'll never get sick of. I highly recomend this item to anyone out there who likes not only tennis, but to see an underdog come through and his bumpy road to becoming the best.

"Two thumbs up" for The Break
The caricaturizing of the pro tennis minor leagues in The Break is very funny and educating. Vince VanPatton does a great job of showing behind the scene situations that one would not know about unless they played on the pro satelite circuit themselves.

Terrific
It was great. AAAA++++

The Best tennis movie ever.
If you like tennis, this is going to be one of, if not your favorite movie. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The best horror film of it's kind.
New York city is being terrorized by a series of murders and the public breaks into panic when the killer is a cop. Yes indeed, this is a film with a story that has not bee used befor, something new, and director William Lustig (MANIAC) and writter Larry Cohen (IT'S ALIVE) make this a good B-movie if youare looking for action, a few scares, and good acting. MANIAC COP 2 and 3 are good (but not as good as this) movies if you can find them.

1987. TWE. 92 MINS.

Rated R for Language and Some Strong Horror/Action Violence.

You have the right to remain silent, FOREVER
I found Maniac Cop to be a great action/horror film. Director William Lustig continues his crusade to make good flicks(like Relentless,Uncle Sam,and the classic Maniac). This film is among his best. Robert Z'Dar(a truely underrated actor)plays the psycho cop who stalks the streets of NY. Tom Atkins(Halloween III)is on his trail. Maniac Cop's sequels were not on par with the original, but all three films are worth a look, especially the well done original.

out of print?
This is a great cult flick! I can't believe it's out of print! What the heck is wrong with these people? Don't they like to make money? Re-master this puppy and get it on the shelves!

At least Bruce Campbell's in it...
And believe me, that's about all this movie has going for it. It's your typical low-budget freak/monster B-movie. There is little to nothing in the way of originality in this film and should be avoided by anyone who doesn't love B-movies. It lacks the humor and imagination of many other movies of this genre.

Having said that, though, it does star Bruce Campbell (star of the Evil Dead trilogy) as the hero and just about any movie starring BC is worth watching at least once. There's nothing terribly exciting about his performance here, but... it's Bruce Campbell.

It should also be said that this DVD comes with some excellent extras, considering that it's such a low-budget, relatively unknown, cult film. With many DVDs of this genre, you're lucky if you have any special features at all. Deleted scenes, trailers, commentary, etc. A very nice surprise.

DVD review
If you loved EVIL DEAD you will like this movie.
The DVD has a better quality than the old VHS, but it still could have been better.
The film is shown widescreen (1.85:1) and is not enhanced for 16x9. The quality is ok, but for Elite standards. A lot of the colors seem faded but this could be due to the age and budget of the film. A lot of the night scenes are too way too dark and grain can be spotted in several scenes. The laser had a much better brighter transfer. The sound is Dolby Digital Surround and sounds nice, but it seems to be Stereo and not Surround. The spoken word and music score is crystal clear with no pops but your speakers don't get much work.
You get the films original theatrical trailer, which is shown widescreen. The picture quality on the trailer hasn't been cleaned up. There is a lot of grain and most of the picture is very dark. You also get two television spots, which are shown full frame and both look like the trailer. Each is dark with grain running through them. You also get a trailer from France that is spoken in French with no subtitles. The picture looks a looks a lot worse than the previous trailer. There is also a Spanish radio spot, which is spoken is Spanish with no subtitles. There are also six extra scenes that were filmed for Japan television. These scenes are nice but don't add anything special to the film. Finally, there is an audio commentary with director Lustig, producer Cohen, Bruce Campbell and Jay Chattaway. The commentary is one of the best out there. Everyone is constantly talking and a lot of great stories are told about the making of the film.

Overall A fun movie if you don't expect too much out of it. The video is somewhat disappointing but the audio is nice. The extras are definitely the best thing about this DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

WOW!
This is the best movie I've ever bought. I definitely recommend you this movie. Muhammad Ali's best movie and a fine performance by Kris Kristofferson ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the mid-1980s, standup comic Rodney Dangerfield underwent a renewed wave of popularity, finding a surprisingly enthusiastic baby-boomer audience. What else to do but make a movie that shows off Dangerfield's alternately knowing and boorish humor? This may not be on the AFI list of great films, but it delivers laughs aplenty in its story of a rough-edged tycoon who made his fortune in clothes for the stout and tall and decides to attend college in order to be closer to his son (Keith Gordon). There's not much plot, but lots of room for Dangerfield's one-line riffs.The goggle-eyed comic veteran displays surprising charm, enough to make his romance with professor Sally Kellerman believable. Look for cameos by late comedian Sam Kinison and author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (34)

You Are About To Enter A Danger Zone
Aside from the comedy classic ensemble Caddyshack, Back To School is my favorite Rodney Dangerfield film.

Self-made millionaire Thorton Melon (Dangerfield) decides to join his only son, Jason (Keith Gordon), who is having difficulty fitting in, as a freshman in college. This impulse gesture drives Jason a little nuts, while setting Thorton on a path to a little romance with an English professor (Sally Kellerman). He also learns that there are things in life money can't buy, and in the process, somehow becomes the most popular man on campus.

Director Alan Metter allows Dangerfield to do his thing. But also allows him to show a softer side that doesn't seem at all out of place. Don't let that deter you though, there are still plenty of laughs to be had. Gordon is pitch perfect as Jason and provides plenty of grounding as well. The film also boasts solid support from actor Burt Young as Lou, and early performances by Robert Downey Jr. as Derek, Jason's roomie, as well as former Star Trek beauty, Terry Farrell.

Sadly, the DVD doesn't have any "real" extras, save of course, for the film's theatrical trailer. Typical for most MGM releases, the package also includes a "collectible" production trivia booklet. An audio commentary or a few deleted scenes, would have put this disc over the top. Still, this film is a must see, for comedy and Dangerfield fans. It's a very funny movie.

Rodney's All Time Best Comedy Get's Straight A's!
Don't you just miss 80's movies like Back To School? A film starring one of the funniest men on the planet (Mr. Rodney Dangerfield) with an ensemble cast of famous names unto themselves, has got to have SMASH MOVIE written all over it, and it does! A simple premise: Thornton Melon (Dangerfield) has become a wealthy millionaire even though he dropped out of high school, and now his son, Jason (Keith Gordon) wants to drop out of college, so in order to keep him from leaving, Thornton decides to go to college too! There are so many hysterical moments I just can't print them all. But some favorites are the big scene with Sam Kinison as the crazed history teacher, Professor Terguson ("Good teacher. He really seems to care. About what I have no idea".), Thornton doing the Triple Lindey swimming dive (with Derek[Robert Downey Jr.]distracting the rival diving team with loud noise and reflecting light to the face), Thornton's rendition of "Twist And Shout" at a local bar, and of course, the party in Thornton's dorm room, with Danny Elfman's band, Oingo Boingo and a killer hot tub, complete with BUBBLES! ("Now that's what I call marine biology".) But a truly winning comedy can't be completely great without heart, which is what this film has. Keith Gordon (John Carpenter's Christine), who is sorely missed in the acting world since he changed his profession to directing, is great as Thornton's son, Jason, who loves his father a lot but feels like Dad's always trying to do too much to make him happy when all he wants to do is live his own life. Terry Farrell (TVs Star Trek: DS9 & Becker) makes a good love interest for him too. I always knew she'd make a name for herself one day. Of course you can't make this sort of film without the bad guys and both father and son have each of their own: William Zabka (who we all should remember as bad boy Johnnie from The Karate Kid) as Chas, the snotty swim diver, and Paxton Whitehead as Philip Barbay, Thornton's economics professor are both out to give our duo a not so sweet time at college. But with Sally Kellerman as the funloving literature teacher, Diane, helping Thornton with reading (and biology) just made things a whole lot more fun. This film has such a great mix of comic chemistry and one-liners that you may miss after the first viewing from laughing so hard. But it's also a movie that just makes you feel good when it's all over.

The DVD isn't much on special features, only a trailer, which has a scene not in the film of Thornton and his bodyguard, Lou (Burt Young of the "Rocky" movies as Paulie) looking at a college sex book ("Well, they left out the most important thing...where to get it"). But at least they give you a letterboxed version (1.85:1) as well as a full framed version. But for the asking price, this disc is worth it. Maybe someday they'll get the gang together and make a documentary and audio commentary. Until then get this DVD. I haven't seen the picture look this good in years. The VHS pales in comparison.

So, if you're tired of all the bland humor that seems to be coming out of the Hollywood machine these days, go Back To School with Rodney Dangerfield, who will show you just how funny Comedies should be. "Ooh, I'd love to tame your shrew!"

Nothing to recommend
A syrupy sweet story of a dad and his semi-estranged son, this film feels like a low-rated sitcom. Other than a handful of smile moments, it's neither funny or remarkable at all. I'm not sure which of the film's premises are more frightening: Dangerfield the smart, confident, self-made businessman, or Dangerfield the expert diver. It's not that you should avoid it, but there are so many better films to see.

Funny, but make sure you get the NEWER DVD release!
After his appearance on Leno recently, it seems Rodney Dangerfield is losing his touch due to age and his admitted pot smoking. He still had it in Back to School, however. This has always been a good way to spend 90 minutes or so to get some laughs. Along with Caddyshack and Easy Money, it's his best work.

Be careful of which DVD version you buy. There are two floating around out there and they both look the same until you make a close inspection of the back cover. MGM quietly slipped this new transfer out there with the same cover without as much as a peep. The original copy was non-anamorphic widescreen and was a poor transfer with some framing issues. The new one is a great improvement with anamorphic widescreen and 5.1 Surround Sound. You have to look at the bottom left of the back cover. You will see 16:9 Widescreen 1.85:1 versus the old one which did not have the '16:9' printed above the word Widescreen. The free booklet with the older copy was nice but the new anamorphic transfer and 5.1 trump the importance of the little booklet included in the older DVD release. I don't know why they didn't throw in the old booklet but its importance is negligible. You don't buy DVDs for booklets anyway.

One more thing. Always buy DVD releases of films in their OAR(Original Aspect Ratio). Don't buy Fullscreen copies if the movie was originally released in Widescreen to theaters. The only time you should buy (Fullscreen, 1.33:1, 4X3) is if that was the OAR, which is usually only television these days and much older films from the early 50's and beyond. Why would you want to watch a film with the sides chopped off? You'll learn to live with the 'black bars' and realize that you're not losing any picture on the top or bottom.

This film stinks
This "comedy" isnt so funny because the acting reeks- Both Keith Gordon (Rodney's son in this film) and Sally Kellerman (the teacher) cannot act, will not act, or refused to do alternate takes, because they are the worst most unconvincing performances ever put on film. Try Easy Money 1983 instead. This is better than Animal House which says absolutely nothing since Animal House is the worst film ever released to the public since motion pictures with sound were invented back in 1929. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

shallow symbolism+conflicted logic. (spoilers and stuff)
there is a part in this film where the characters find a strip of film in a trash can. one of the characters (orestes) holds this piece of film up to the light. the two children, alexander and voula, crowd around to see what's printed on the film. "don't you see, through the mist, the tree?" orestes asks. the children cannot see anything, and orestes admits that he was joking. there is nothing printed on the film, just transparency.

that is a pretty good example of how i felt watching the movie. there is something about the film that makes you take notice, asks you to try to interpret the symbolism, strain to involve yourself in its landscape. but there's nothing there, you'd have to invent it. whoever thought that one could wring emotional poignancy out of antonioni's model of long, static takes, subverted plot expectations and inexpressive characters must be seriously disturbed. in antonioni, this format works because he is dealing with emptiness and emotional paucity, in the disconnection between individuals and classes. antonioni doesn't ask you to interpret this behavior, because human life and the natural world are too complex and spontaneous for complete understanding. we don't have an emotional attachment in the characters, but we are glad, because antonioni lets us observe them so clearly, and we come out with a great deal having been learned.

in this film, angelopoulos dares to ask us to try to bridge the gap, to really put in an emotional investment in these characters, although they are just as inexpressive and inscrutable as the characters in antonioni. if he had either played with this investment, and robbed the viewer of the satisfaction of the conclusion of their journey, making the film's ambiguity more intentional and clear, or if he had fully integrated us into their suffering, by giving these characters more to do than look at scenery and read unremarkable, "poetic" voiceovers, then the film could possibly have succeeded in its confines as a metaphysical, avant-garde road film. as it is, the film seems unintentionally ambiguous and underdeveloped. angelopoulos tries to distance us and integrate us at the same time, forcing us to take pity on these miserable children while not giving us any credible shred of their motivation. furthermore, he tries to involve us emotionally in this way by employing a grotesque and overbearing level of symbolism, which to some might seem like genius, but to me seems like a bit of a strain on the already rickety narrative. the last sequence, for example, visually plays on the dynamic of dark/light that has been a motif in the film. as the characters cross the border of germany, they move from black night to a misty, pure-white day. "first there was darkness, then there was light". this sequence emphatically insists on this type of bland binary division between innocence and guilt, childhood and maturity, good and evil. this is reflected in the integration of the symbolism: scenes of narrative, sudden intrusion of overbearing symbolic interlude, resumption of narrative as if nothing had happened. two types of scenes make up this film, making it as if the characters are not allowed to react to the world around them, just to "play their part", making the audience "laugh...or cry", as orestes describes his role. sure, but isn't possible to do both at the same time? (for example, the films of david lynch, kusturica's "underground", fellini, altman, imamura, and other filmmakers who can explore the middle grounds of desire, society, morality and politics).

what results is a film that might have resulted from a script written by antonioni, rewritten by fellini and then directed by bresson. in other words, it's a totally conflicted, overwrought film torn between two extreme poles of existence, with no comfortable middle ground that could engage us either as viewers or as interpreters. the symbolic nature of the work insists on interpretation, and it can draw you into to its complexity, but i don't think it offers any real, consistent emotional or political outlook (besides bleakness and despair, that is). skip this and watch "spirit of the beehive", the best film about children, politics, and family ever made.

Unforgetable Movie for a Life Time
This is an unforgetable movie for a life time to me. Master piece of Art!

A movie not to miss
I saw this movie years ago. Whenever anyone asks what my favorite movie is, my reply is always the same. The only film in my life that really stuck, "Landscape in the Mist". Allot of movies Iv seen are good but I soon forget its name and the plot. This film would be defiantely worth anyone's time. Beautiful and touching and unforgettable!

This movie is easily the greatest movie I have ever seen.
It is hard to explain why I like this movie so much. I think the best way to describe it is that it speaks to my soul, more than any other movie. The film operates on many levels (see Robert Horton's excellent books on Angelopoulos to explore further) such as Greek mythology, modern Greek history, the issues of borders, innocence and growing up, male role models, etc. However, the real power of the movie, I feel, lies in its ability to transport you to a place where the hidden truths of life, those truths that lie under the surface of our every day existence, are openly displayed and heartbreakingly rendered on screen. I think many independent film fans, especially in the US look for films that are realistic. This film is not realistic in the traditional sense, but it arrives at the core of our existence in a poetic way, and in a way that many people mistake for pretentiousness, false symbolism, and unnecessary artiness. The movie speaks volumes to me, and I hope it does to you too.

The best movie i ever seen
I saw this greek movie, and i did not even know it was so great, it was late at night and i started crying all the time, it`s a really heavy drama, there are a lot of symbolisms during the movie, long silence shots that makes you think about the chaos around us, if you like drama, you can't miss this one! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Timothy Dalton's second and last shot at playing James Bond isn't nearly as much fun as his debut, two years earlier, in the 1987 The Living Daylights. This time Bond gets mad after a close friend (David Hedison) from the intelligence sector is assassinated on his wedding day, and 007 goes undercover to link the murder to an international drug cartel. Robert Davi makes an interesting adversary, but as with most of the Bond films in the '70s, '80s, and '90s--and especially since the end of the cold war--one has to wonder why we should still care about these lesser villains and their unimaginative crimes. Still, Dalton did manage in his short time with the character to make 007 his own, which neither Roger Moore did nor Pierce Brosnan did. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (172)

One of the Series Best!
I have seen where a few critics have down-graded this movie and that is a shame as "License to Kill" has a lot going for it. The concept of Bond as a rogue was a refreshing change, and one of the best concepts in any of the Bond films. Essentially, the plot goes as follows: A renown drug dealer Sanchez (Robert Davi) is arrested in Miami with help of the DEA and Felix Leiter (Bond's CIA contact and good friend). Following the arrest, Felix gets married. Sanchez escapes and commits a brutal act of revenge before returning to Isthmus City. James Bond (Timothy Dalton), determined to take Sanchez down, enlistes Pam Bouvier (Carey Lowell) to help him. One problem for Bond is that Sanchez is well guarded and has numerous contacts. Bond will have to have to be careful in infiltrating Sanchez. The other problem is that he is now a rogue agent, having his license to kill revoked by the British government.

The only real weak points of this movie would be the occasional weak acting from Talisa Soto (Sanchez's girlfriend), and a little bit more swearing than some of the other bond films, but many other elements more than make up for these two minor shortcomings.

Timothy Dalton is superb as James Bond. Dalton is a great, capable actor, and he is perfect for the movie and its concept. Dalton did a superb job and this is a key factor to the success of the film. As a side note, Dalton needed to make a change in the approach from Roger Moore, just as Moore needed to make a change from Connery. This change between actors is important, otherwise comparisons are made, and usually it is the incumbent who loses (in the minds of the general audience). Dalton did the right thing by changing the Bond to a darker persona. The contrast is important because of Roger Moore's 12-year tenure as Bond, which spread over seven films. Carey Lowell makes a very capable Bond woman as it nice to see a tough woman pairing up with Bond. The central villain, Sanchez, is very strong and well acted -- and also a nice change away from villains who want to destroy the world. Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Zerbe are well cast and well-acted as Sanchez's henchmen. Also, it was nice to see Q, played by the late Desmond Llewelyn, get more to do than his usual brief cameo or two. He certainly deserved it and rose to the challenge admirably. It was also nice to see David Hedison return to play Felix Leiter (he previously played Leiter in "Live and Let Die").

Other elements that make this a very enjoyable, memorable Bond film to watch are the location work, great special effects, and great stunts. The stunts with the semi-trucks toward the end are great fun! Michael Kamen's score adds a lot to the movie as well.

VHS or DVD? The VHS version simply contains the movie. The DVD version is a special edition that includes two different audio commentaries which let you watch the movie and hear commentary by some of the cast and production members. They comment about the actors, work on the set, the scenes, and how certain scenes were shot/created. Two music videos are included: "License to Kill" by Gladys Knight is the opening theme, and "If You Asked Me To" by Patti LaBelle marks the closing theme. A promotional feature on the stunt footage at the climax and a documentary on the film itself are also included. Finally, two theatrical trailers and a photo galary with over 100 stills are included.

If you are a fan of the Bond series, I highly recommend this movie, and the same goes toward Timothy Dalton and spy/action movie fans. This movie is also included in the first volume of a Bond Collector's set. If you like extra features, I would recommend the DVD. Overall, I happen to think that "License to Kill" is one of the best Bond movies. Major re-evaluation required.

[Darn] shame Dalton STILL isn't playing Bond....
I loved The Living Daylights, and feel that, with this movie, Dalton was, without a doubt, the best replacement for Connery as 007 so far! He had Connery's look, the purposefulness, mixed with a softheartedness when it came to action and the ladies respectively. He was a DEFINITE improvement over the bland, too-pretty Rogie Moore. (I wonder how many Brits made light of that first name!) "License" takes an unresolved issue from "Daylights": the fact that Bond didn't destroy that opium shipment that the Afghanis were going to ship to the West, and finally does something, as he destroys a major cocaine kingpin's operation in a vendetta to avenge the maiming and death of his friends Felix and Della Leiter. Bond goes undercover, posing pretty much as what he is, a FORMER British agent, after he quits MI6 over his attitude toward the Leiter incident. The villain, Franz Sanchez, in fact, is RESPONSIBLE for the death of Leiter's wife and the mangling of Leiter himself, since Leiter was responsible for Sanchez' capture.

Along the way, Bond runs into an old associate of Felix', played by Carrie Lowell, and together, they work their way into Sanchez' organization, which is fronted by a bogus religious organization and the Bond luck works its magic from there.

This is probably the third best of the Bond movies, along with "Goldfinger" and "Daylights" and the series lost a good Bond in Dalton, who was actor enough to give the character the dimension it needed after FIFTEEN YEARS of Roger Moore's Matt-Helm-ization of the franchise. In some ways, he was actually better than Connery.

BIG improvement over Roger Moore
Moore simply could not make Bond seem real. Perhaps it was the appearance (blond hair) or his - how to say this politiely - advancing years in which some of the babes appear as daughters rather than gal pals. Dalton was great. It was different in that Bond was not on a government-sanctioned mission but a personal vendetta. It was exciting and yes, violent, but it did reinstill some much-needed reality back into the series. With Moore, everything - from plot to dame to prize - was a joke. Here one realizes that the spy game is more than a game - it is dangerous and dirty. Great villians but the romance side was rather weak despite the lurid (for Bond) scenes.

Super performance by Wayne Newton!!

Not Your Average Bond Again
I loved this story. Unlike the other Bond films, it is more like an action drama then an action adventure. Dalton's performance is again wonderful and real. The apperence of Q on the battle field is priceless.

Effective immediately - your LICENCE TO KILL is revoked!
The 16th James Bond movie. Producer Albert R. Broccoli and screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson had nearly 30 years of success behind them with 15 smashing James Bond adventures. For the next film a major challenge was faced in inventing a new story with a darker, hard-edge, and sense of danger in the character of 007! For this an epic tale of revenge, passion, and greed set a blueprint of the South American drug trade. The idea of James Bond being thrusted out of his Secret Agent Spy network, licence to kill revoked, and setting foot on a journey of revenge against the drug lord villain and his henchman. This, plus many explicit scenes, would qualify this the first James Bond film to receive a PG-13 rating. A spectacular supporting cast includes Carey Lowell and Talisa Soto as the essential beautiful Bond girls, and LIVE AND LET DIE's David Hedison returning as Felix Leiter, and many surprise appearances by popular stars today in the making. Also featured is a thrilling Michael Kamen score, and exotic locations in Key West, Mexico, Acapulco and Vera Cruz. This would be the final James Bond screenplay from Richard Maibaum, who passed away in 1991. A true Summer blockbuster, LICENCE TO KILL proves you just can't keep a good 007 series down, but why would you want to?

THE ASSIGNMENT: For the first time since ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, there is no official assignment for Bond to undertake. After the arrest of drug kingpin Franz Sanchez in the Bahamas, Bond's good friend Felix Leiter is happily wed to his bride Della Churchill. Tragedy strikes when Sanchez escapes from prison with help from a traitorous FBI Agent and his fellow henchman. Della is murdered, and Felix horribly mutilated from being tortured in a shark-infested tank. M is aware of Bond being personally involved with Felix and Della, and takes Bond off the case. When Bond refuses, M has no alternative but to ask 007 to submit his licence to kill and weapons. Bond defiantly continues his investigation and determination to bring Sanchez down. Now a private citizen with a personal vendetta, his acting outside the secret service results in British, American, and Hong Kong services on his trail. The consequences can be dangerously unexpected!

THE VILLAINS: Robert Davi as Franz Sanchez, Anthon